Event

Brescia explosion

18 Aug 1769 · 45.54° N, 10.21° E

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What the records say

When
18 Aug 1769
Kind
Event
Coordinates
45.54° N, 10.21° E

Placed at the coordinates of the event it links, Brescia explosion.

Summary

Brescia Explosion: The city of Brescia, Italy is devastated when the Church of San Nazaro is struck by lightning. The resulting fire ignites 200,000 lb (90,000 kg) of gunpowder being stored there, causing a massive explosion, which destroys 1/6 of the city and kills 3,000 people.

Brescia explosion

Disaster in Italy in 1769

The Brescia explosion occurred in 1769 in Brescia when a large store of gunpowder exploded after a lightning strike, causing extensive destruction and many deaths. Claims that as many as 6,000 people died in the explosion place the event high on lists of accidents and disasters by death toll.

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The source

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